, R-Hillsboro, said studying the concept doesn't mean the state will definitely move toward Internet voting. Opponents charge that electronic voting systems would be susceptible to malicious hacks that could compromise the security of ballots, especially in light of

Oregon became the first state in the nation to switch to a vote-by-mail system after voters approved it in 1998. The state already allows overseas members of the military to fill out ballots online, though the ballots must be printed, signed and faxed or emailed.

"As we all know, everything out there is vulnerable to attacks from a minor spambot to very malicious Trojan viruses," said Sandy Raddue, a Beaverton resident and former software engineer. "Until we can control our electronic environment, I would strongly urge we do not consider any Internet voting now or going forward."

Members of the Senate Rules Committee, which held a public hearing on the bill Tuesday, acknowledged the criticism but said it was a concept worth studying.

"I think it's important for democracy that we encourage as many people as possible to vote," said Sen.